Born in the Philippines, she is a trailblazing filmmaker and actress known for her work in independent cinema. She gained international recognition with her film "Lingua Franca," which she wrote, directed, and starred in, making history as the first trans woman of color to compete at the Venice Film Festival. Her storytelling often explores themes of identity, immigration, and societal norms. She continues to be a powerful voice in both acting and filmmaking, advocating for diverse representation.